Fetch TV today announced that ABC iview will soon be available as a dedicated Virtual Playlist Channel on the Fetch platform.
Virtual Playlist Channels (VPCs) were developed by Fetch to promote content discovery, and to provide a clear bridge between the traditional world of linear TV and the growing availability of on demand content via apps.
Fetch subscribers will be able to access ABC content directly via the ABC iview app on Fetch, or via the new ABC iview virtual playlist channel. The ABC iview VPC will appear as a dedicated channel in the Fetch TV Guide, with scheduled content available to view with the press of a single button.
Unlike a traditional linear channel, all programs on the ABC iview VPC will play from the start, and viewing is not time dependent (users can select from past and future listings). Playback is seamless, with content served via the ABC iview app.
Free-to-Air Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) apps such as 7Plus, 9 Now, 10Play and SBS on Demand have seen viewing levels of shows featured on their Fetch VPC increase by up to 30%.
Scott Lorson, CEO of Fetch TV, said:
“Virtual Playlist Channels are where channel surfing meets binge viewing, and they have proven extremely popular with our subscribers and content partners alike. We are very excited to partner with the ABC to introduce the iview channel on Fetch. The ABC iview App is already enormously popular, and the iview channel will further promote discovery and viewing of this fantastic content.”
The Virtual Playlist Channel format is also utilised by Fetch for subscription channels such as Oxygen, BBC Brit and BBC Kids (all exclusive to Fetch in Australia), for the Fetch Movie Box service, and for viewing trailers. Fetch holds an innovation patent for key aspects of the VPC functionality, with additional international patents pending.
